23 details even die-hard fans might have missed in Netflix's 'Avatar: The Last Airbender'

Palmer HaaschFeb 25, 2024, 16:56 IST

"Avatar: The Last Airbender" recreates some shots from the original cartoon series.Robert Falconer/Netflix

Netflix's live-action "Avatar: The Last Airbender" adapts the original cartoon, and has plenty of easter eggs.
They include recreations of shots from the cartoon and references to the "Avatar" comics and books.

Are you a freak like me? If so, the most exciting part of Netflix live-action "Avatar: The Last Airbender" for you was probably the litany of references and lore drops that tied the adaptation back to the original cartoon and its spin-off material.

The live-action series follows the major strokes of Nickelodeon's "Avatar: The Last Airbender": Aang, a young airbender, wakes up after being frozen in a block of ice for 100 years to the news that all of his people are dead. As the Avatar, the only person in the world able to master all four elements, he's responsible for restoring balance.

There are, of course, differences in the live action, but also tons of easter eggs for longtime fans. If you haven't watched the 2005 animated series in a while — or haven't had the time to check out spin-off comics like "The Search" or YA novels like "The Shadow of Kyoshi" — don't worry, we've got you covered.

Here are 23 details you might have missed in the "Avatar: The Last Airbender" live-action adaptation.

Warning: Major spoilers ahead for Netflix's "Avatar: The Last Airbender," the original "Avatar: The Last Airbender," and select spin-off comics and novels.

The show regularly uses musical cues from the cartoon.

You'll recognize the Fire Nation theme in "Avatar: The Last Airbender" from the original cartoon.Robert Falconer/Netflix

The live-action’s introduction sequence mirrors a shot from the original.

Aang holds a similar pose in both the live-action and animated "Avatar: The Last Airbender."Netflix; Nickelodeon

The statue of Avatar Yangchen actually appears in the Eastern Air Temple in the Avatar Universe.

Aang and Gyatso speak in front of a statue of Avatar Yangchen in the Southern Air Temple — but in the animated "Avatar: The Last Airbender" and "The Legend of Korra," the statue is in the Eastern Air Temple.Netflix; Nickelodeon

Gran Gran delivers the iconic opening monologue from the cartoon.

Gran Gran, seen center, delivers the iconic "Avatar: The Last Airbender" opening monologue from the cartoon.Robert Falconer/Netflix

Aang runs into a statue on Kyoshi Island in a recreation of a shot from the cartoon.

The live-action "Avatar: The Last Airbender" recreates a shot of Aang running into a statue on an air scooter from the original cartoon.Netflix; Nickelodeon

Sokka appears to be training with melons on Kyoshi island, echoing a sequence from the cartoon.

Sokka uses melons for target practice, referencing a moment in the original "Avatar" cartoon.Netflix; Nickelodeon

Katara repeats one of Kyoshi’s bits of wisdom while studying the previous Avatar.

The "Avatar: The Last Airbender" live-action series quotes one of Avatar Kyoshi's lines from the original series.Netflix; Nickelodeon

Iroh picks up a white lotus Pai Sho tile in a spot of foreshadowing.

Iroh holds a white lotus title in "Avatar: The Last Airbender."Netflix

Aang airbends a set of plates in a familiar fighting style during his fight with Zuko.

Aang uses airbending to throw plates at Zuko in a style reminiscent of pro-bending.Netflix; Nickelodeon

Bumi mentions Kangaroo Island while dining with Aang, referencing a location from the original show.

Bumi in "Avatar: The Last Airbender."Robert Falconer/Netflix

There’s a statue of Bumi’s pet from the cartoon in his dining hall.

There's a statue of Flopsie the gorilla goat in "Avatar: The Last Airbender."Netflix; Nickelodeon

Bumi challenges Aang with crystals similar to ones he uses to trap Katara and Sokka in the original.

The live-action "Avatar" references jennamite, also known as creeping crystal.Netflix; Nickelodeon

Katara says she didn't know that seal jerky was edible, referencing a moment from the original cartoon.

Katara and Sokka in the tunnels near Omashu in "Avatar: The Last Airbender."Netflix

During the memorial service for Iroh’s son, a song from the cartoon plays in the background.

Iroh at the memorial for his son Lu Ten in "Avatar: The Last Airbender."Netflix

Sokka quotes a haiku he recites in an episode from the cartoon.

Sokka speaks to a young girl in a burned forest in "Avatar: The Last Airbender."Netflix

A villager references some of Team Avatar’s escapades from the cartoon.

A group of men at a pub give Zuko and Iroh information about the Avatar.Netflix

There’s a glimpse of Azula’s blue fire.

Azula uses blue fire in "Avatar: The Last Airbender."Netflix

The spirit world incorporates spirits from across the “Avatar” series.

Wan Shi Tong, the steward of the Spirit Library, appears much earlier in the live-action "Avatar" than he does in the cartoon.Netflix

The Mother of Faces plays a crucial role in the “Avatar” comics.

A statue of the Mother of Faces in "Avatar: The Last Airbender."Netflix

Some of the shots and moments from episode 6 directly reference the original cartoon.

Episode six of the live-action "Avatar: The Last Airbender" recreates some shots from the original.Nickelodeon; Netflix

Katara enjoys sea prune soup, which she has in a memorable meal in the cartoon.

Katara enjoys stewed sea prunes in both the live-action and cartoon "Avatar."Netflix; Nickelodeon

Kuruk’s history is drawn from the spin-off novels.

Avatar Kuruk in "Avatar: The Last Airbender."Robert Falconer/Netflix

Bumi's wearing metal boots when the Fire Nation takes him prisoner.

Bumi's wearing metal restraints in "Avatar: The Last Airbender."Netflix

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